The late Fermanagh businessman Jimmy Byrne (85) has been remembered this week as a dedicated family man.

Mr. Byrne passed away peacefully, at his home, ‘Byeways’ on Friday June 3. His family has led tributes to the loving father and grandfather and the ‘lasting legacy’ of his love he has left behind.

A family spokesperson said: “Dad’s outstanding achievement, his pride and passion was his family. His love, generosity, patience, and kindness has left a lasting legacy that his family will remember for generations to come.”

Jimmy was known throughout the island of Ireland for founding Modern Tyres in 1965, the company which remains family run is now Ireland's largest independent tyre retailers with 45 depots across Ireland. All depots closed as a mark of respect for his funeral on Monday.

His family said: “The opportunities he created for his children and grandchildren leave a lasting legacy the family is extremely proud of.”

 

The late Jimmy Byrne

The late Jimmy Byrne

 

Detailing Jimmy’s early life, the family spokesperson said: “James Charles Byrne, known to all as Jimmy was born on May 24, 1937 in Harold’s Cross, Dublin.

“He left school at 14 to start his entrepreneurial career, which involved various tasks including, collecting shoes, collecting laundry and in the evening minding pub patron’s bicycles along the grand canal.”

It was while in Dublin that Jimmy met his wife Margaret, the family said: “During those days he met his wife Margaret, frequenting the cinema and local dances, before taking a stroll on the beach where he later proposed by writing in the sand.”

Detailing their life together, the family said: “They were married in July 1961, later moving to Belfast where Jimmy had an opportunity to manage a Dublin based tyre shop.”

The pair lived in different areas throughout their marriage moving from Lisburn, to Clogher, before settling in Enniskillen in 1972 and moving to their home at Byeways in 1976, where they raised their five children; Niall, Rory, Siobhan, Shane and Connor.

Paying tribute to Jimmy in his role as grandfather which he enjoyed immensely, the family said: “He dearly loved his grandchildren, he attended every sports day, football match, drama performance and Féis and took delight in regaling friends and colleagues of the latest exploits and successes of each of them.”

Jimmy was also well regarded for his humour, his family said: “Those who have experienced the most formal and serious of occasions with Dad will have experienced his gregarious sense of humour deployed at the most delicate moment, when invariably, he would be reduced to his tear-inducing laughing fits.

They added: “Those in the immediate vicinity would struggle to compose themselves while resisting his infectious laughter and bright, smiling eyes.”

Jimmy was active in many sports and activities throughout his life, his family said: “He spent a great deal of time on the golf course, although not enough to bring his handicap below 18. He ran several marathons into his forties hoping to break three hours, falling just shy at 3 hours 06 minutes in New York at the age of 46.”

The family added: “He enjoyed nothing more than the escape to the hills of Cuilcagh or the waves in Mullaghmore.”

Continuing, the family spokesperson said: “Jimmy enjoyed his regular evenings with the Round Table, the 41 Club and the Local Investment Club and always made time for his regular ‘coffee with the boys'.

Other activities enjoyed by Jimmy included reading, playing bridge, and visiting Dublin for dinner and a show.

Thanking those who cared for Jimmy in his final weeks, his family said: “We would like to extend a debt of thanks for the steadfast and deeply personal care that Jimmy received from the District Nurses and Marie Curie in the last few weeks.”

Concluding the family spokesperson said: “Jimmy’s warm smile, easy conversation and kind heart will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

The late Jimmy Byrne died on Friday, June 3. His funeral mass took place on Monday June 6 at St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen. He was buried at Cross Cemetery.

Jimmy was predeceased by his wife, Margaret and is survived by his children; Niall (Sonya) , Rory (Caroline), Siobhan , Shane (Korena) and Connor (Shauna) as well as his 19 grandchildren, and wide circle of family and friends.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by John McKeegan Funeral Undertaker.